Russia Holidays

There is still a grittiness and unpredictability to Russia that makes every visit a new adventure. The sheer size and variety of locations ensures that one visit is not enough. While Moscow and St Petersburg have become showcases of western opulence, move even a short distance outside of the cities and you enter a world which has, through force of circumstance, retained its traditional ways, where idyllic villages sit nestled in forests of silver birch.

Explore The Golden Ring, a collection of ancient towns lying to the north of Moscow which are neither circular nor golden but steeped in history nonetheless.

Along the Mongolian border, in the rich green valleys of the classically beautiful Altai region, 250 varieties of peony grow wild while, in the far east, you will find the last refuge of the Siberian tiger.

Our Russia holiday experts

Having explored the Golden Ring in 6ft of snow, the palaces of St Petersburg in spring and travelled the Trans-Siberian Railway in autumn, Katie and Paul are true Russian experts. With a passion and expertise for both the classic sites and those beyond the ordinary, they can help you get the most out of a holiday to Russia.

Nick, our chairman, also has close links with Russia. He visits regularly and even traversed the country by motorbike in 2005.

Advice from our Russia experts

“Just a four-hour flight allows the visitor to Russia a complete culture change. Golden domes and frescoed churches rub shoulders with contemporary galleries and buzzing restaurants. In an ideal world, combining both Moscow and St Petersburg gives further insight into the Russian psyche and a deeper understanding of this iconic country. Winter and summer alike offer something special and unique to a trip to Russia.”

Russia FAQs

Travelling around Russia is as safe now as it has always been. Like with any
destination, we always advise keeping an eye on your belongings, especially when
out in busy, crowded areas and it is sensible to leave any valuables at home.

Are there any sensitive areas I should be aware of when taking photographs in Russia?

In any country you visit, we always advise obtaining permission before photographing the locals out of courtesy. Photography of the Metro, train stations, airports, government and Military buildings and instillations is prohibited so be aware.

Are there any Russian customs that I should know?

Russia has a rich heritage of
traditions, so it can be hard to remember everything.

Russians
love flowers, so if you are going to dinner in a private apartment flowers are
a perfect present - always take an odd number as even numbers are for funerals!

Never
give a gift of soap; it implies the person smells. Next best to flowers are
chocolates.

Never
show your back to someone, for example when entering a row of theatre seats, it
is appropriate to enter facing the people already seated.

Always
take your shoes off when you enter someone's apartment or house, there are
usually slippers to wear.

Don't
jay walk, as the police will fine you.

Is there a dress code I should follow?

Russian women particularly take huge
pride in their appearance and visitors should pack something clean and tidy if
visiting the theatre, ballet or high end restaurants. When visiting churches,
women must remember to cover their heads, so pack a scarf. Men should never put
their hands in their pockets in church.

Can I hire a car in Russia?

Yes,
but driving in Russia is not easy, particularly if you cannot read Cyrillic.
Additionally Russian drivers do not always adhere to rules and driving is thus quite
problematic. It is easier to hire a car and driver.

Can I use credit cards?

In
the main cities most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards.
Additionally there are ATM machines everywhere. Move out of the cities or main
tourist centres and life is very different and you should ensure you have
sufficient roubles.

Russia
has an excellent mobile network, but be warned, it is very expensive to
use a foreign mobile phone for calls and data. You will, however, find free Wi-Fi available all over
the place.

Do I have to carry my passport with me when I am out and about?

All
Russians are required to carry official identification at all times. The rules
also apply to foreigners, so you should, technically, carry your passport when
you are out and about.

Are taxis safe and okay to use in Russia?

Perfectly so but they tend not to bother with a meter and charge extortionate amounts. Better to get one of the smartphone apps such as "Get Taxi" or Uber. Uber is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city and very cheap. Perfect for a visit to the theatre. The average ride costs £2. The cars vary and they can take 6-8 minutes to arrive, but it works well.

I hear the visa process is difficult

There is no denying that the Russian visa process is laborious. A long form plus a visit to have your fingerprints done. That said we have done this form many times, we keep up to date with changes and have an extensive crib sheet to make the process as simple as possible.

Holidays

expert led group tour

Russia - Jewels of St Petersburg

Absorb the splendour of the Tsars in St Petersburg with a focus on some of the jewels and treasur...

Lake Baikal Adventure

Inspiration

Take a ballet lesson with a prima ballerina

It is now possible for visitors to St Petersburg to take a ballet lesson at the studio of Diana Vishneva, prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre and the American Ballet Theatre. The studio will be open to both professional artists and those with no experience.

Hidden Museums of St Petersburg

St Petersburg is known for its grand palaces and opulent residences. For a no less fascinating but slightly more quirky side of the city why not visit some of the less known museums.

The biggest railway museum in Europe opened in late October 2017 on the site of old Baltiysky railway station depot. Spread over two buildings connected by a suspension bridge the museum houses collections including rare steam trains as well as electric locomotives and historical artefacts.

For a more hands-on experience, it is possible to view and touch exhibits at the Mikhail Anikushin sculpture workshop - he is known as the People's Sculptor of the Soviet Union. See the procedure of building a monumental sculpture from pencil sketch to bronze casting. Princess Katya Galitzine, wife of Steppes Travel chairman Nick Laing completed an internship at the studio of Mikhail Anikushin during the 1990's. It is possible to join Katya and Nick on our trans-Siberian train charter as they cross eight time zones on board the Golden Eagle train in 2019.

The Museum of the History of Photography provides a comprehensive overview of photography with permanent exhibitions tracing its developments from the earliest photos to modern-day technologies. Also home to a range of antique camera and developing equipment.

Blog: Why now is the time to travel to Russia

Client Reviews

''Wonderful service. I must especially comment on the visa application information - invaluable. I dealt with Katie Benden and found her service incredibly efficient and charming. She really went the extra mile at all times.''

Carol Dunning

Russia

''Katie was always cheerful and helpful - in fact the "oldest carpet" exhibit was one of the highlights and also turned out to be Alexei's favourite item in the Hermitage!''

John Jones

Russia

WHEN TO GO- Russia

Russia is a great all year round destination - with long balmy summer days to picturesque snow covered landscapes. Summers are warm with sunny days and warm evenings, while the winter sees frosty mornings with sub zero temperatures. The most popular time to visit the country are during the early summer months and autumn, although many choose winter, when the country is transformed into a winter wonderland as the dazzling snow settles over the cities and countryside.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- Russia

Travelling around Russia is as safe now as it has always been. Like with any
destination, we always advise keeping an eye on your belongings, especially when
out in busy, crowded areas and it is sensible to leave any valuables at home.

In any country you visit, we always advise obtaining permission before photographing the locals out of courtesy. Photography of the Metro, train stations, airports, government and Military buildings and instillations is prohibited so be aware.

Russian women particularly take huge
pride in their appearance and visitors should pack something clean and tidy if
visiting the theatre, ballet or high end restaurants. When visiting churches,
women must remember to cover their heads, so pack a scarf. Men should never put
their hands in their pockets in church.

Yes,
but driving in Russia is not easy, particularly if you cannot read Cyrillic.
Additionally Russian drivers do not always adhere to rules and driving is thus quite
problematic. It is easier to hire a car and driver.

In
the main cities most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards.
Additionally there are ATM machines everywhere. Move out of the cities or main
tourist centres and life is very different and you should ensure you have
sufficient roubles.

Perfectly so but they tend not to bother with a meter and charge extortionate amounts. Better to get one of the smartphone apps such as "Get Taxi" or Uber. Uber is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city and very cheap. Perfect for a visit to the theatre. The average ride costs £2. The cars vary and they can take 6-8 minutes to arrive, but it works well.

There is no denying that the Russian visa process is laborious. A long form plus a visit to have your fingerprints done. That said we have done this form many times, we keep up to date with changes and have an extensive crib sheet to make the process as simple as possible.